Adjustable film applicator

Abstract

A film applicator which includes an applicator housing, an applicator blade positioned within the housing, a micrometer secured to the applicator housing and having a plurality of shafts and a plurality of magnets each having one end secured to a respective micrometer shaft and another end in releasable magnetic engagement with the applicator blade.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 727,547 filed Oct. 18, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]The invention relates to a laboratory film applicator for use in applying films such as liquid organic polymers (e.g., architectural coatings such as paint), emulsions, adhesives and / or resins to a flat substrate such as paper / cardboard opacity and general test charts, steel panels, glass plates, etc.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003]It has long been known in the film applicator art to provide a means for periodic removal and reattachment of adjustable applicator blades for purposes of cleaning and repair of the blades, as well as for substitution of different blades directed to job-specific tasks. An attachment mechanism used for this purpose is required to be relatively uncomplicated, inexpensive and easy to use, yet allows precise and reproducible orientation of the blade relative to the substr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]It has long been known in the film applicator art to provide a means for periodic removal and reattachment of adjustable applicator blades for purposes of cleaning and repair of the blades, as well as for substitution of different blades directed to job-specific tasks. An attachment mechanism used for this purpose is required to be relatively uncomplicated, inexpensive and easy to use, yet allows precise and reproducible orientation of the blade relative to the substrate so as to produce a uniform film on the substrate. The mechanism also should be resistant to jamming and clogging in job environments typically encountered in the applicator arts. For example, forming polymeric, paint or adhesive films on a substrate can, over time, result in debris accumulation on the applicator, including within the blade attachment mechanism. This in turn can cause the attachment mechanism to malfunction and result in downtime and lost production while the mechanism is cleaned.

[0005]There is therefore a need in the art for a blade attachment mechanism having a reduced tendency to clog. There is also a need in the art for a blade attachment mechanism which is less expensive to manufacture and less complicated to use compared to known blade attachment mechanisms. These needs are met by the present invention, which provides for magnets, such as rare earth magnets, which secure the blade to an applicator frame.

Problems solved by technology

For example, forming polymeric, paint or adhesive films on a substrate can, over time, result in debris accumulation on the applicator, including within the blade attachment mechanism.

This in turn can cause the attachment mechanism to malfunction and result in downtime and lost production while the mechanism is cleaned.

While functional in many respects, the inserts are subject to clogging, rusting, breakage and corrosion and are expensive and time consuming to repair and replace.

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